Joseph R. Libby, Sr. Obituary (1937 - 2007)

Waterville Joseph ''Ron'' Libby, Sr., 69, of Summer Street, died unexpectedly Sunday, Apr. 15, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Waterville, May 5, 1937, the son of Alfred and Marguerite Michaud Libby. He had worked at the Wyandotte Woolen Mill for many years, becoming a union officer for them. He later went into construction working in the Laborer's Union ***as a leader*** for almost 40 years,including Gunnite Construction of Mass. He last worked at St. Francis de Sales as the church sexton from 1993 until retirement in 1999. He was an avid life-long card player, especially of cribbage and poker. He was considered the ''champion'' in his family, including the new cribbage game of ''19'', which was invented by his brother, Ernie Libby and nephew, Wayne Libby. He also loved to fish, especially for white perch, loved fiddleheads and going to pick them. He really enjoyed the game of golf. He liked to watch baseball and boxing. He also loved to see his grandchildren and attend their sporting events. He truly looked forward to his visits with his oldest brother, Alfred. He was a long time member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit. He is survived by ; a loving daughter, Rebecca Shepherd and her husband Garrett and their seven children, Joshua, Isaac, Hannah, Ezra, Noah, Gabriel and Timothy; three sons, Joseph R. Libby Jr. of Fairfield and his daughter, Dianna, Michael J. Libby of Benton and Richard ''Rick'' K. Libby of Waterville a brother, Alfred A. Libby of Phoenix, Oregon; a life-long friend and beloved brother-in-law, Jack Welch of Waterville; his niece, Donna Campbell and her husband Barron of Skowhegan; his nephews, Danny and Mark Welch, Wayne and Alan Libby; great-nephews, John David, Shane, Shawn Campbell; and by many other nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Margaret; three brothers, Reginald, Richard and Ernest Libby; two sisters, Doris Libby and Patricia Libby Welch. Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 19, at the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Apr. 20, at St. Francis de Sales Church, 52 Elm St., Waterville. Burial will be in the family lot at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville at a later date. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------